Chapter 532 Charles Makes a Dazzling Entrance, Saving Patricia
Inside a private hotel room, Martha and Ian were celebrating with Max and other conspiring board members. Martha raised her glass. "I appreciate everyone's support," she announced. "If Ian secures the presidency, I promise to honor my word and distribute Martin's shares among you all."
One of the directors expressed concern. "We might lose out on the shares. Patricia's brought out the will; as the sole guardian of the five children, it's natural for her to protect the shares."
"There are plenty of ways to get those shares. Unusual times call for unusual measures." Martha retorted. "If we can't get them openly, we'll have to be more covert."
"So, Max, have you got a plan up your sleeve?" Martha asked, eyeing him curiously.
Max flashed a sly grin. "Don't ask, just remember—if Ian does manage to claim the CEO seat, don't forget to carve out a sweet 15 percent of Martin's shares for me," he said, revealing his intentions.
With an additional 15 percent from Martha added to his existing 10 percent, Max would hold a solid 25 percent ownership, positioning himself as the largest shareholder in Langley Group. His plan was to control the company's future decisions, propelling his son to power and eventually taking over the company piece by piece.
"Don't worry. The agreed-upon 15 percent is yours. You'll not be shortchanged," Martha pledged, unaware of Max's deeper schemes.
Max's smile widened, his eyes glinting with cunning. "With Martin gone and the key engineers having jumped ship, I can't wait to see Patricia wriggle her way out this time. She's bound to lose," he mused.
Martha pulled Ian to his feet. "Come on, stand up and thank everyone for their support," she urged.
Ian raised his glass in gratitude. "Here's to you all. Thank you for backing me. I won't let you down," he said, echoing the sentiment.
The toast was met with lifted glasses and a swift drink, masking the hidden agendas beneath the surface.
Three days passed with no progress in recruitment. Despite the rapid onboarding of newcomers, the company still fell short of meeting Andrew Roberts' demands.
On the day the bet was due, Max convened a shareholders' meeting before dawn had broken. Martha was conspicuously absent at the start.
Max tossed the folder in front of Patricia with a sneer. "Here's the detailed report for the past week. You didn't meet a single one of my demands. You lost, and you lost big." he taunted.
Patricia glanced at her phone. "It's only eight o'clock. If I'm not mistaken, we still have three hours before the deadline of our wager, right?"
Max raised an eyebrow skeptically. "What? Do you seriously think you can turn things around in three hours?"
Just then, a youthful voice echoed from outside the conference room.
"Because of me!" Charles declared as he entered, followed by Fannie and Randy.
Patricia, having been preoccupied with company issues, noticed Charles' weary appearance, his face rimmed with dark circles. "Charles, what's wrong? You look so wasted."
"Mommy, I'm fine. I'm the big brother. With Daddy's accident, I need to step up and protect you. You sit tight here; leave everything else to me."
Max couldn't conceal his disdain, scoffing at Charles. "Have you got your full set of teeth yet? Don't think just because you're Martin's son, you can do whatever you want here. Your daddy's gone, and no one's got your back anymore. Be smart and leave."
The others chimed in with their own taunts, diminishing Charles' presence and warning him and Patricia of their precarious position without Martin's protection.
Just as the room simmered with tension, a new voice cut through the hostility, asking, "Do I have the right to support them?" There was the sound of heavy footsteps.
Gregory Langley, supported by his wife and leaning on a cane, made his entrance, his gaze sweeping the room with an intensity that silenced the crowd. The sight of Patricia being bullied, with only Alan by her side, ignited a fury in him.
"Do you think the Langleys are done just because Martin left?" he said. "I'm still around, and remember, I was once the CEO of this company; I've got every right to back them up. Do you have any objections?"
Max, taken aback by Mr. Langley's authoritative presence, faltered, his dominance waning. "No objections here. But since Mr. Langley's on deck, I expect fair play. Mrs. Watson made a bet and lost. She's gotta honor it," he managed to say, clinging to the remnants of his argument.
Charles confidently stated, "My mommy said there were still three hours left. It's not over until it's over."
Max's scorn was barely veiled in his diplomatic retort. "Well, I'm curious to see how you intend to turn the tide in these next three hours."
Despite the tension, Charles approached Patricia and said, "Mommy, I did it. Trust me, I'll make sure to protect you and keep Daddy's company safe."
Patricia, moved to tears by her son's maturity and determination, could barely speak through her sobs.
Max, growing impatient, pressed, "Cut the chatter, let's move it. The company can't afford any more delays."
In response, Charles set down his backpack, and pulled out a laptop.
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